Two Korean Americans Honored for Bridging Cultures and Serving Country
In a celebration marked by ceremonial precision and heartfelt tribute, the American Korean Friendship Society (AKFS) on Saturday evening honored two distinguished Americans of Korean ancestry whose careers have bridged cultures and elevated the immigrant narrative in the United States.
Sandy Springs, May 12, 2025 – In a celebration marked by ceremonial precision and heartfelt tribute, the American Korean Friendship Society (AKFS) on Saturday evening honored two distinguished Americans of Korean ancestry whose careers have bridged cultures and elevated the immigrant narrative in the United States.
Before a crowd gathered in Sandy Springs, the event commenced with the Presentation of Colors by the Youth Challenge Academy Color Guard from Fort Stewart, Georgia — a solemn display that set the tone for a night devoted to recognition and reflection.
Frank Blake, chairman of AKFS and former CEO of The Home Depot, welcomed attendees with opening remarks emphasizing the organization’s mission to honor Korean American contributions to civic life. “The New American Hero Award represents not only achievement, but the enduring strength of our shared values,” he said.
This year’s recipient of the New American Hero Award was Dr. Wendy Lee Gramm, an economist and public servant whose career in Washington has left a lasting imprint on federal regulatory policy. Dr. Gramm led the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as its chairman from 1988 to 1993, overseeing critical reforms during a pivotal era in financial regulation. Her earlier roles included Administrator for Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget and Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Economics.
“She is a trailblazer in public policy and an inspiration to many across communities,” said Sunny K. Park, President of American Korean Friendship Society, in his congratulatory remarks.
Representative Rich McCormick, who serves Georgia’s 6th Congressional District, also spoke, lauding Dr. Gramm’s “dedication to public service and unwavering commitment to democratic institutions.”
Dr. Gramm, who is married to former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm of Texas, accepted the award with modesty. The honor carries a $25,000 cash prize, which recipients designate to nonprofit organizations of their choosing through the AKFS.
In a separate tribute, the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Brigadier General Michael B. Siegl, U.S. Army, recognizing his decades of military leadership and sustained advocacy for the Korean American community.
General Siegl’s 30-year Army career spanned deployments and command roles in Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea, and at the Pentagon. As Director of Logistics and Engineering for U.S. Central Command, he orchestrated the movement and support of American forces across the Middle East and Central Asia. Beyond the battlefield, his voice has resonated in military scholarship and mentorship initiatives. His academic résumé includes degrees from Stanford and Georgetown, and a National Security Fellowship at Harvard University.
The Lifetime Achievement Award includes a $5,000 charitable grant, also designated by the honoree for donation.
The evening’s events underscored the growing recognition of Korean Americans’ contributions to the nation’s public life — both in uniform and in the civic realm. As the night concluded, the audience rose in applause, a reflection of both gratitude and pride for those who continue to strengthen the American story.
